Tips & Tactics

How Important Is Scent Control?

By Ken Piper

A few years ago when Terry Rohm was still with Tink’s, he was asked by the Realtree team what advice he would give to folks when it comes to using scents for hunting. His answer might surprise you: “The first thing to do is get rid of your own scent,” he said.

It’s significant that when given a chance to plug the many fine Tink’s products, Rohm gave so much emphasis to eliminating human odor first. It also makes sense. It doesn’t matter what else a deer smells; if it gets wind of a human, it’s going to get out of there faster than a PeTA member at a Ted Nugent concert.

Because of increased range, gun hunters can get away with more than bowhunters; but ALL whitetail chasers should put human scent control above other scent concerns.

To cut down on your scent footprint, follow these simple rules:* Regularly wash your hunting clothing in scent-free, scent-eliminating detergent.* Keep your clothes in airtight bags or containers, and wait to put them on until you head to your stand.* Take similar care with your hunting boots.* Use scent-killing soap and shampoo.* Consider using scent-absorbing clothing.* ALWAYS set up downwind of your expected shot opportunity.* NEVER underestimate the power of a deer’s nose.

Only after you have taken care of your own scent should you worry about using lures and attractants for deer hunting.